Mike Packwood, an MA Classics & Ancient History student, answers questions about his experience studying at Liverpool, what attracted him to the course, his advice for those considering postgraduate study, and his future plans.
Can you briefly describe the path you’ve taken to get to where you are today?
I took a year out after my A Levels, where I was lucky enough to study Ancient History, to work as an SEN Teaching Assistant. I then applied for Liverpool as a BA in Ancient History, which I completed with First Class Honours in 2024. I decided to stay at the University of Liverpool due to the incredible Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology Department. I also chose to stay for the support within the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, for the loyalty discount scheme offered to continuing students, and because I love this city.
Our University is very privileged and unique to have a joint department of staff and students working in different fields across the Ancient World, from the more traditionally humanities-based subjects, to STEM-inclusive disciplines, and the incredible range of ancient languages offered to us.
What attracted you to study within the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (ACE) at the University of Liverpool?
The modules and the extra opportunities available to me. I audit the Ancient Greek beginners course alongside my chosen modules, as I feel it necessary to build up my linguistic skills. I also learn German, and in my third year took weekly night classes offered by the LCF department, which are open to members of the public too.
I have chosen to study part-time so I can work alongside my MA, and I have recently started a new role as a Writing Tutor for students at Sixth Form/College in a new project led by the Marketing, Recruitment, and Events Team. I have worked with this team as a Student Ambassador since I was a second-year undergraduate, and it is a fantastic role available to all students within the Department and has granted me many opportunities to network and earn during my studies.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the MA course so far, as it has allowed me to delve deeper into my topics of interest, and the range of interesting modules offered has directed me to read on subjects I have never interacted with before, whilst remaining relevant within the scope of my MA thesis.
What do you particularly enjoy about your MA studies?
One of the main advantages, for me, of the MA at Liverpool is the community fostered by the staff and students, mainly due to the interactions between disciplines in our lessons, and the free student societies such as The Society for Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (SACE). Because of this, and the greater number of seminar-based discussions at MA, I benefit greatly from the opinions of others from fields outside my expertise, which grants me new perspectives on evidence analysis and scholarly practices, enhancing my writing and awareness of expected employability skills.
What is your plan once your MA studies are complete?
After I complete my studies in 2026, I will decide either to work in the cultural heritage sector or apply for a PhD. My main goal is to utilise my degree in my career, and I am currently working with the Careers Department at the University and the many professors within the ACE Department to start seeking employment opportunities following the completion of my MA.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering an MA within ACE at the University of Liverpool?
My main piece of advice to anyone thinking of studying an MA or MSc at the University of Liverpool is to get involved with as many opportunities as possible. The University offers grants and bursaries to study on extracurricular courses abroad, professors run their own digs and projects every year, and there are roles at the Garstang Museum too, where you can build your employability skills with flexibility around your studies. Liverpool is also home to a branch of the Classical Association, as well as the CCIS, and there are many ways to get involved with the community and even deliver research to the public and students. Everything helps with building your CV, and Liverpool is one of the best UK universities for doing so, with some of the top departments to aid you during your MA.
Find out more about studying an MA in Classics & Ancient History